Redmond Boutique Collects Job-Ready Clothing for Women in Need

As the owner of a Redmond boutique that also sells clothing on consignment, it's not uncommon for Lindsey Kremkau to end up with more used clothes than she knows what to do with.

Women who bring in their clothing to sell at Trade Chic plus-size boutique will often leave behind bags of items Kremkau doesn't end up buying. She made a habit of donating the clothing to the YWCA, but says she often brought in a greater volume of than the organization was able to handle.

“So I figure that since I get so many donated items I might as well cut the middle man out,” she said.

Kremkau has now begun to collect “generic work-appropriate” clothing to help out local women who cannot afford to buy a new outfit for a job interview or other professional opportunity. The idea to focus on work clothes started about a year and a half ago when Kremkau helped outfit a mother and daughter duo who had just lost their apartment due to flooding. 

“That kind of just inspired me,” she said. “I figured I could help other people, too, since I do get a wild amount of donations.”

Since she began officially collecting work clothing earlier this week, Kremkau said she's already brought in more than 100 items.

She is asking anyone who might want to find an outfit to schedule an appointment with her by calling 425-376-0600. Most of the clothing that's currently available is from size large to 4X.

Those who would like to make a donation can drop by items during regular business hours: noon to 6 p.m. weekdays, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Trade Chic is located at 16508 Redmond Way.

Kremkau said she is especially seeking ongoing donations of nice trousers, blazers and button-down shirts.